Portland Timbers vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC
MLS Regular Season - VWFC Match #22
Sunday, November 1, 2020 - 7:08 p.m. PT
Providence Park, Portland, OR
TV: TSN4 - RADIO: TSN Radio 1040
MASSIVE IMPORTANCE: It's another Cascadia tussle as the 'Caps face the Timbers in a match with massive implications in playoff positioning. The 'Caps are looking to climb above the line with only two matches left after the league announced on Thursday that the playoff seeding will be determined by points per game. The Timbers are in a tight race with Sporting KC and the Sounders for the number one seed in the West.
TURF WAR: The Timbers play as the host side on Sunday, but Whitecaps FC have settled in well in their temporary home south of the border. The 'Caps have won three of five in Portland, losing only to the Timbers in their first home match at Providence Park, and last Tuesday against the Sounders on two days rest. Sunday night is a rematch of the September 27 fixture that saw the 'Caps win the possession battle but the Timbers prevail on an early goal.
LINEUP DECISIONS: The 'Caps made wholesale changes to their lineup and switched their formation as they faced a quick turnaround for their last match on Tuesday. Defenders Ali Adnan, Erik Godoy, and Jake Nerwinski, and centre mid Leonard Owusu, could make their return to the starting backline and midfield against the Timbers, especially if the 'Caps switch back to the 4-4-2 formation they had been fielding out before the midweek adjustment.
CHANCE ENCOUNTER: The 'Caps could expect to get their looks against the Timbers, who are among the top five clubs in MLS in conceding chances. The attacking trio of Lucas Cavallini, Cristian Dajome, and Fredy Montero, who have combined for 37 chances created this season, should be fresh for the matchup after each came off the bench on Tuesday. Ali Adnan averages 0.83 chances created per game in his MLS career, tied with Y.P. Lee for tops amongst all 'Caps defenders in the MLS era.
HEAD GAMES: Watch for the 'Caps to be on high-alert in defending against the cross as the Timbers lead MLS in goals off headers with 12, including two last Wednesday versus Galaxy, and the lone goal in the previous meeting with the 'Caps. Janio Bikel and Leonard Owusu, if selected to start, will have their hands full with Diego Valeri, who has six assists on the season.
IF THE 'CAPS WIN, YOU WIN
With a ‘Caps win, you'll win free fries from A&W! To redeem, simply download the A&W app, add your fries and at least one more item to your cart, and then enter the code CAPSWIN at checkout.
50/50
Help at-risk youth at Covenant House Vancouver and be in with the chance to win the big prize. You don't even have to leave your sofa. Buy your tickets between 6 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. PT on matchday.
MATCHDAY MEAL
Save yourself the headache of cooking on matchday! Score 15% off your order of $12 or more with DoorDash. Simply download the DoorDash app and use code MATCHDAY15 to redeem the offer on any Whitecaps FC matchday. Click here for a list of all participating restaurants.
WATCH IT LIVE, PRESENTED BY PHILLIPS
Click here to find a bar or restaurant near you with the 'Caps on TV. Watch the game safely and comfortably in our pick of the best 'Caps hangouts.
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT
Show your support for the ‘Caps at home and get featured on our social media channels by sharing a photo or video of you cheering on the boys using the hashtag #VWFC and tagging us @WhitecapsFC.
GEAR UP
Drop in to the Official Store at 385 Water Street from Thursday to Sunday. Get 50% off Hoop and Unity jerseys, and pick up our new VanAqua x Whitecaps FC Joey facemask while you're there and help support the aquarium!
